Fuel cell power plant

ABSTRACT

A fuel cell power plant system may include two or more power units and a fuel cell power plant controller. The two or more power units may be electrically connected. Each one of the two or more power units may include two or more fuel cell systems. The fuel cell power plant controller may be electrically connected to the two or more power units and may include a user control circuitry and a monitoring circuitry. The user control circuitry may control a mode of operation of the fuel cell power plant system to be run in an operation mode, a standby mode, a maintenance mode, or an emergency stopped mode. The monitoring circuitry may monitor the two or more power units of the fuel cell power plant system for one or more fault conditions, one or more alarms, or an amount of energy produced.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patentapplication, Ser. No. 63/317,190 (Attorney Docket No. HRA-52291.01)entitled “FUEL CELL POWER PLANT”, filed on Mar. 7, 2022; the entirety ofthe above-noted application(s) is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energyof a fuel, such as hydrogen, and an oxidizing agent, such as oxygen,into electricity through a pair of redox reactions. Fuel cells aredifferent from most batteries in that they generally require acontinuous source of fuel and oxygen to sustain a chemical reaction,whereas in a battery the chemical energy usually comes from metals andtheir ions or oxides that are commonly already present in the battery,except in flow batteries. Fuel cells may produce electricitycontinuously for as long as fuel and oxygen are supplied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant system may include twoor more power units and a fuel cell power plant controller. The two ormore power units may be electrically connected and/or connected inparallel. Each one of the two or more power units may include two ormore fuel cell systems. The fuel cell power plant controller may beelectrically connected to the two or more power units and may include auser control circuitry and a monitoring circuitry. The user controlcircuitry may control a mode of operation of the fuel cell power plantsystem to be run in an operation mode, a standby mode, a maintenancemode, or an emergency stopped mode. The monitoring circuitry may monitorthe two or more power units of the fuel cell power plant system for oneor more fault conditions, one or more alarms, or an amount of energyproduced.

One or more of the fuel cell systems may be repurposed from vehicle fuelcells. One or more of the fuel cell systems may be hydrogen fuel cellsystems. One or more of the fuel cell systems may include a fuel cellstack, a battery, an air pump, a DC-DC converter, and a fuel cellvoltage converter unit (FCVCU). The fuel cell power plant system mayinclude two or more platforms for the two or more power units. One ormore cooling lines, one or more electrical connections, and one or morefuel lines may extend through the two or more platforms and may supplycooling, electrical connections, and fuel to the two or more powerunits.

One of the two or more fuel cell systems may include a gateway controlcircuitry controlling engine high voltage (EHV) associated with thecorresponding fuel cell system. A first fuel cell system of the two ormore fuel cell systems may include a major gateway control circuitrymonitoring a water temperature, a fuel leak sensor, or a smoke sensorassociated with the corresponding power unit. Each of the two or morefuel cell systems may include a management electronic control unit (ECU)issuing a command to the corresponding fuel cell system. The command maybe a vehicle stability management (VSM) override operation, or animmobilizer override operation. The two or more power units may outputpower to a grid inverter.

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant controller may includea user control circuitry and a monitoring circuitry. The user controlcircuitry may control a mode of operation of a fuel cell power plantsystem to be run in an operation mode, a standby mode, a maintenancemode, or an emergency stopped mode. The monitoring circuitry may monitortwo or more power units of the fuel cell power plant system for one ormore fault conditions, one or more alarms, or an amount of energyproduced. The two or more power units may be electrically connected. Thetwo or more power units may be electrically connected to the fuel cellpower plant controller. Each one of the two or more power units mayinclude two or more fuel cell systems which may be connected inparallel.

One or more of the fuel cell systems may be repurposed from vehicle fuelcells. One or more of the fuel cell systems may be hydrogen fuel cellsystems. One or more of the fuel cell systems may include a fuel cellstack, a battery, an air pump, a DC-DC converter, and a fuel cellvoltage converter unit (FCVCU). The fuel cell power plant controller mayinclude two or more platforms for the two or more power units. One ormore cooling lines, one or more electrical connections, and one or morefuel lines may extend through the two or more platforms and supplycooling, electrical connections, and fuel to the two or more powerunits. One of the two or more fuel cell systems may include gatewaycontrol circuitry controlling engine high voltage (EHV) associated withthe corresponding fuel cell system.

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant system may include twoor more power units and a fuel cell power plant controller. The two ormore power units may be electrically connected and/or connected inparallel. Each one of the two or more power units may include two ormore fuel cell systems repurposed from vehicle fuel cells. The two ormore fuel cell systems may be connected in parallel. The fuel cell powerplant controller may be electrically connected to the two or more powerunits and may include a user control circuitry and a monitoringcircuitry. The user control circuitry may control a mode of operation ofthe fuel cell power plant system to be run in an operation mode, astandby mode, a maintenance mode, or an emergency stopped mode. Themonitoring circuitry may monitor the two or more power units of the fuelcell power plant system for one or more fault conditions, one or morealarms, or an amount of energy produced.

One or more of the fuel cell systems may be hydrogen fuel cell systems.One or more of the fuel cell systems may include a fuel cell stack, abattery, an air pump, a DC-DC converter, and a fuel cell voltageconverter unit (FCVCU). The fuel cell power plant system may include twoor more platforms for the two or more power units. One or more coolinglines, one or more electrical connections, and one or more fuel linesmay extend through the two or more platforms and supply cooling,electrical connections, and fuel to the two or more power units.

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant cooling system mayinclude a power unit coolant supply line, two or more fuel cell systemcoolant supply lines, two or more fuel cell systems, two or more fuelcell system return supply lines, and a power unit return supply line.The power unit coolant supply line may be configured to receive acoolant. The two or more fuel cell system coolant supply lines may beconnected to the power unit coolant supply line and may be configured toreceive coolant from the power unit coolant supply line. The two or morefuel cell systems may be configured to be cooled by the two or more fuelcell system coolant supply lines, respectively. The two or more fuelcell system return supply lines may be connected to the two or more fuelcell system coolant supply lines, respectively, and may be configured toreceive coolant from the two or more fuel cell system coolant supplylines. The power unit return supply line may be connected to the two ormore fuel cell system return supply lines and may be configured toreceive coolant from the two or more fuel cell system return supplylines, respectively.

An end of the power unit coolant supply line may be capped. An end ofthe power unit return supply line may be capped. An end of the powerunit coolant supply line may be connected to a power unit coolant supplyline of a second fuel cell power plant cooling system. An end of thepower unit return supply line may be connected to a power unit returnsupply line of a second fuel cell power plant cooling system. Thecoolant may be water. The fuel cell power plant cooling system mayinclude two or more slidable fuel cell system skids which mayaccommodate the two or more fuel cell systems, respectively. The fuelcell power plant cooling system may include two or more fuel cell systemexhaust lines which may be connected to a condensate drain line and maybe configured to expel exhaust from the power unit coolant supply line.The two or more fuel cell system exhaust lines may be oriented in avertical direction relative to a ground plane. The two or more fuel cellsystem coolant supply lines may be oriented in a vertical directionrelative to a ground plane.

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant cooling structure mayinclude a power unit coolant supply line, two or more fuel cell systemcoolant supply lines, two or more fuel cell systems, two or more fuelcell system return supply lines, and a power unit return supply line.The power unit coolant supply line may be configured to receive acoolant. The two or more fuel cell system coolant supply lines may beconnected to the power unit coolant supply line and may be configured toreceive coolant from the power unit coolant supply line. The two or morefuel cell systems may be configured to be cooled by the two or more fuelcell system coolant supply lines, respectively. The two or more fuelcell system return supply lines may be connected to the two or more fuelcell system coolant supply lines, respectively, and may be configured toreceive coolant from the two or more fuel cell system coolant supplylines. The power unit return supply line may be connected to the two ormore fuel cell system return supply lines and may be configured toreceive coolant from the two or more fuel cell system return supplylines, respectively.

An end of the power unit coolant supply line may be capped. An end ofthe power unit return supply line may be capped. An end of the powerunit coolant supply line may be connected to a power unit coolant supplyline of a second fuel cell power plant cooling structure. An end of thepower unit return supply line may be connected to a power unit returnsupply line of a second fuel cell power plant cooling structure. Thecoolant may be water. The fuel cell power plant cooling structure mayinclude two or more slidable fuel cell system skids which mayaccommodate the two or more fuel cell systems, respectively. The fuelcell power plant cooling structure may include two or more fuel cellsystem exhaust lines which may be connected to a condensate drain lineand may be configured to expel exhaust from the power unit coolantsupply line. The two or more fuel cell system exhaust lines may beoriented in a vertical direction relative to a ground plane. The two ormore fuel cell system coolant supply lines may be oriented in a verticaldirection relative to a ground plane.

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant cooling structure mayinclude a first fuel cell power plant cooling system and a second fuelcell power plant cooling system. The first fuel cell power plant coolingsystem may include a power unit coolant supply line, two or more fuelcell system coolant supply lines, two or more fuel cell systems, two ormore fuel cell system return supply lines, and a power unit returnsupply line. The power unit coolant supply line may be configured toreceive a coolant. The two or more fuel cell system coolant supply linesmay be connected to the power unit coolant supply line and may beconfigured to receive coolant from the power unit coolant supply line.The two or more fuel cell systems may be configured to be cooled by thetwo or more fuel cell system coolant supply lines, respectively. The twoor more fuel cell system return supply lines may be connected to the twoor more fuel cell system coolant supply lines, respectively, and may beconfigured to receive used coolant from the two or more fuel cell systemcoolant supply lines. The power unit return supply line may be connectedto the two or more fuel cell system return supply lines and may beconfigured to receive used coolant from the two or more fuel cell systemreturn supply lines, respectively. The second fuel cell power plantcooling system may include a second power unit coolant supply line whichmay be configured to receive the coolant from the power unit coolantsupply line.

An end of the second power unit coolant supply line may be capped. Thesecond fuel cell power plant cooling system may include a second powerunit return supply line which may be configured to receive the usedcoolant from the power unit return supply line. An end of the secondpower unit return supply line may be capped.

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant system may include afuel supply line, two or more fuel cell system fuel supply lines, andtwo or more power units. The fuel supply line may be configured toreceive fuel. The two or more fuel cell system fuel supply lines may beconnected to the fuel supply line and may be configured to receive fuelfrom the fuel supply line. The two or more power units may be configuredto be fueled by the two or more fuel cell system fuel supply lines,respectively.

Each one of the two or more power units may include two or more fuelcell systems. One or more of the fuel cell systems may be repurposedfrom vehicle fuel cells. One or more of the fuel cell systems include afuel cell stack, a battery, an air pump, a DC-DC converter, and a fuelcell voltage converter unit (FCVCU). An end of the fuel supply line maybe capped. An end of the fuel supply line may be connected to a fuelsupply line of a second fuel cell power plant cooling system. The fuelmay be hydrogen.

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant structure may include afuel supply line, two or more fuel cell system fuel supply lines, andtwo or more power units. The fuel supply line may be configured toreceive fuel. The two or more fuel cell system fuel supply lines may beconnected to the fuel supply line and may be configured to receive fuelfrom the fuel supply line. The two or more power units may be configuredto be fueled by the two or more fuel cell system fuel supply lines,respectively.

Each one of the two or more power units may include two or more fuelcell systems. One or more of the fuel cell systems may be repurposedfrom vehicle fuel cells. One or more of the fuel cell systems include afuel cell stack, a battery, an air pump, a DC-DC converter, and a fuelcell voltage converter unit (FCVCU). An end of the fuel supply line maybe capped. An end of the fuel supply line may be connected to a fuelsupply line of a second fuel cell power plant cooling system. The fuelmay be hydrogen.

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant system may include afuel supply line, a first fuel cell system fuel supply line, a secondfuel cell system fuel supply line, a first power unit, and a secondpower unit. The fuel supply line may be configured to receive fuel. Thefirst fuel cell system fuel supply line may be connected to the fuelsupply line and may be configured to receive fuel from the fuel supplyline. The second fuel cell system fuel supply line may be connected tothe fuel supply line and may be configured to receive fuel from the fuelsupply line. The first power unit may be configured to be fueled by thefirst fuel cell system fuel supply line. The second power unit may beconfigured to be fueled by the second fuel cell system fuel supply line.

Each one of the first power unit and the second power unit may includetwo or more fuel cell systems. One or more of the fuel cell systems maybe repurposed from vehicle fuel cells. One or more of the fuel cellsystems include a fuel cell stack, a battery, an air pump, a DC-DCconverter, and a fuel cell voltage converter unit (FCVCU). An end of thefuel supply line may be capped. An end of the fuel supply line may beconnected to a fuel supply line of a second fuel cell power plantcooling system.

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant system may include twoor more electrically connected power units, two or more voltagechannels, and a fuel cell power plant controller. Each one of the two ormore power units may include two or more fuel cell systems. The two ormore voltage channels may be respectively connected to the two or morepower units. The fuel cell power plant controller may be electricallyconnected to the two or more power units.

One or more of the fuel cell systems may be repurposed from vehicle fuelcells. One or more of the fuel cell systems may be hydrogen fuel cellsystems. One or more of the fuel cell systems include a fuel cell stack,a battery, an air pump, a DC-DC converter, and a fuel cell voltageconverter unit (FCVCU). The fuel cell power plant system may include twoor more platforms for the two or more power units, one or more coolinglines, one or more electrical connections, and one or more fuel linesextend through the two or more platforms and supply cooling, electricalconnections, and fuel to the two or more power units. One of the two ormore fuel cell systems may include a gateway control circuitrycontrolling engine high voltage (EHV) associated with the correspondingfuel cell system. A first fuel cell system of the two or more fuel cellsystems may include a major gateway control circuitry monitoring a watertemperature, a fuel leak sensor, or a smoke sensor associated with thecorresponding power unit. Each of the two or more fuel cell systems mayinclude a management electronic control unit (ECU) issuing a command tothe corresponding fuel cell system. The command may be a vehiclestability management (VSM) override operation or an immobilizer overrideoperation. The two or more power units may output power to a gridinverter.

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant system may include afirst power unit, a second power unit, a first voltage channel, a secondvoltage channel, and a fuel cell power plant controller. The first powerunit may include two or more fuel cell systems. The second power unitmay include two or more fuel cell systems and may be electricallyconnected to the first power unit. The first voltage channel may beconnected to the first power unit. The second voltage channel may beconnected to the second power unit. The fuel cell power plant controllermay be electrically connected to the first power unit and the secondpower unit.

One or more of the fuel cell systems may be repurposed from vehicle fuelcells. One or more of the fuel cell systems may be hydrogen fuel cellsystems. One or more of the fuel cell systems include a fuel cell stack,a battery, an air pump, a DC-DC converter, and a fuel cell voltageconverter unit (FCVCU).

According to one aspect, a fuel cell power plant system may include twoor more electrically connected power units, two or more voltagechannels, and a fuel cell power plant controller. Each one of the two ormore power units may include two or more fuel cell systems, but lessthan eight fuel cell systems. The two or more voltage channels may berespectively connected to the two or more power units. The fuel cellpower plant controller may be electrically connected to the two or morepower units.

One or more of the fuel cell systems may be repurposed from vehicle fuelcells. One or more of the fuel cell systems may be hydrogen fuel cellsystems. One or more of the fuel cell systems include a fuel cell stack,a battery, an air pump, a DC-DC converter, and a fuel cell voltageconverter unit (FCVCU). The fuel cell power plant system may include twoor more platforms for the two or more power units, one or more coolinglines, one or more electrical connections, and one or more fuel linesextend through the two or more platforms and supply cooling, electricalconnections, and fuel to the two or more power units. One of the two ormore fuel cell systems may include a gateway control circuitrycontrolling engine high voltage (EHV) associated with the correspondingfuel cell system.

According to one aspect, a heat exchanger for a fuel cell power plantsystem may include a first loop and a second loop. For the first loop, afirst coolant may be passed through a fuel cell stack, a thermostat, afirst portion of a first plate of the heat exchanger, and a fuel cellpump. For the second loop, a second coolant may be passed through asecond portion of the first plate of the heat exchanger.

The second coolant may be received from an external source. The heatexchanger for the fuel cell power plant system may include a third loop.For the third loop, a third coolant may be passed through an areaassociated with circuitry, the fuel cell stack, an expansion tank, and afirst portion of a second plate of the heat exchanger. The heatexchanger for the fuel cell power plant system may include a fourthloop. For the fourth loop, the second coolant may be passed through asecond portion of the second plate of the heat exchanger. The firstplate may have a greater size than the second plate of the heatexchanger. The first coolant or the second coolant may be water.

The thermostat may regulate a path of the first loop. If a temperatureof the first coolant is above a threshold, the first loop may includethe first portion of the first plate of the heat exchanger. If atemperature of the first coolant is below a threshold, the first loopmay not include the first portion of the first plate of the heatexchanger. The heat exchanger for the fuel cell power plant system mayinclude a fuel cell system coolant supply line receiving the secondcoolant.

According to one aspect, a heat exchanger for a fuel cell power plantsystem may include a first loop, a second loop, and a third loop. Forthe first loop, a first coolant may be passed through a fuel cell stack,a thermostat, a first portion of a first plate of the heat exchanger,and a fuel cell pump. For the second loop, a second coolant may bepassed through a second portion of the first plate of the heatexchanger. For the third loop, a third coolant may be passed through anarea associated with circuitry, the fuel cell stack, an expansion tank,and a first portion of a second plate of the heat exchanger.

The heat exchanger for the fuel cell power plant system may include afourth loop, the second coolant may be passed through a second portionof the second plate of the heat exchanger. The first plate may have agreater size than the second plate of the heat exchanger. The firstcoolant or the second coolant may be water. The thermostat may regulatea path of the first loop. If a temperature of the first coolant is abovea threshold, the first loop may include the first portion of the firstplate of the heat exchanger.

According to one aspect, a heat exchanger for a fuel cell power plantsystem may include a first loop and a second loop. For the first loop, afirst coolant may be passed through a fuel cell stack, a thermostatregulating a path of the first loop based on a temperature of the firstcoolant, a first portion of a first plate of the heat exchanger, and afuel cell pump. For the second loop, a second coolant may be passedthrough a second portion of the first plate of the heat exchanger.

The second coolant may be received from an external source. The heatexchanger for the fuel cell power plant system may include a third loop.For the third loop, a third coolant may be passed through an areaassociated with circuitry, the fuel cell stack, an expansion tank, and afirst portion of a second plate of the heat exchanger. The heatexchanger for the fuel cell power plant system may include a fourthloop. For the fourth loop, the second coolant may be passed through asecond portion of the second plate of the heat exchanger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C are exemplary schematic diagrams of a fuel cell power plantsystem, according to one aspect.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary component diagram of a fuel cell power plantsystem, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 3A-3B are exemplary component diagrams of a fuel cell power plantsystem, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 4A-4C are exemplary component diagrams of a fuel cell power plantcooling system, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 5A-5B are exemplary exploded views of a fuel cell power plantcooling structure, according to one aspect.

FIG. 6 is exemplary exploded view of a fuel cell power plant coolingstructure, according to one aspect.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a fuel system for a fuelcell power plant system, according to one aspect.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary schematic diagram of engine-level cooling for afuel cell power plant cooling system, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 9A-9B are exemplary schematic diagrams of quad-level cooling for afuel cell power plant cooling system, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 10A-10B are exemplary schematic diagrams of plant-level coolingfor a fuel cell power plant cooling system, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 11A-11D are exemplary schematic diagrams of quad-level cooling fora fuel cell power plant cooling system, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 12A-12C are exemplary schematic diagrams of condensate exhaustsystems for a fuel cell power plant cooling system, according to oneaspect.

FIGS. 13A-13B are exemplary schematic diagrams of condensate exhaustsystems for a fuel cell power plant cooling system, according to oneaspect.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a condensate exhaust systemfor a fuel cell power plant cooling system, according to one aspect.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method for operating a fuelcell power plant, according to one aspect.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an example computer-readable medium orcomputer-readable device including processor-executable instructionsconfigured to embody one or more of the provisions set forth herein,according to one aspect.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an example computing environment where oneor more of the provisions set forth herein are implemented, according toone aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein.The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components thatfall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation.The examples are not intended to be limiting. Further, one havingordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the components discussedherein, may be combined, omitted or organized with other components ororganized into different architectures.

A “processor”, as used herein, processes signals and performs generalcomputing and arithmetic functions. Signals processed by the processormay include digital signals, data signals, computer instructions,processor instructions, messages, a bit, a bit stream, or other meansthat may be received, transmitted, and/or detected. Generally, theprocessor may be a variety of various processors including multiplesingle and multicore processors and co-processors and other multiplesingle and multicore processor and co-processor architectures. Theprocessor may include various modules to execute various functions.

A “memory”, as used herein, may include volatile memory and/ornon-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, ROM(read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM(erasable PROM), and EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM). Volatilememory may include, for example, RAM (random access memory), synchronousRAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double datarate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory maystore an operating system that controls or allocates resources of acomputing device.

A “disk” or “drive”, as used herein, may be a magnetic disk drive, asolid state disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, a Zip drive,a flash memory card, and/or a memory stick. Furthermore, the disk may bea CD-ROM (compact disk ROM), a CD recordable drive (CD-R drive), a CDrewritable drive (CD-RW drive), and/or a digital video ROM drive(DVD-ROM). The disk may store an operating system that controls orallocates resources of a computing device.

A “bus”, as used herein, refers to an interconnected architecture thatis operably connected to other computer components inside a computer orbetween computers. The bus may transfer data between the computercomponents. The bus may be a memory bus, a memory controller, aperipheral bus, an external bus, a crossbar switch, and/or a local bus,among others. The bus may also be a vehicle bus that interconnectscomponents inside a vehicle using protocols such as Media OrientedSystems Transport (MOST), Controller Area network (CAN), LocalInterconnect Network (LIN), Modbus, among others.

A “database”, as used herein, may refer to a table, a set of tables, anda set of data stores (e.g., disks) and/or methods for accessing and/ormanipulating those data stores.

An “operable connection”, or a connection by which entities are“operably connected”, is one in which signals, physical communications,and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operableconnection may include a wireless interface, a physical interface, adata interface, and/or an electrical interface.

A “computer communication”, as used herein, refers to a communicationbetween two or more computing devices (e.g., computer, personal digitalassistant, cellular telephone, network device) and may be, for example,a network transfer, a file transfer, an applet transfer, an email, ahypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) transfer, and so on. A computercommunication may occur across, for example, a wireless system (e.g.,IEEE 802.11), an Ethernet system (e.g., IEEE 802.3), a token ring system(e.g., IEEE 802.5), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN), a point-to-point system, a circuit switching system, a packetswitching system, among others.

A “mobile device”, as used herein, may be a computing device typicallyhaving a display screen with a user input (e.g., touch, keyboard) and aprocessor for computing. Mobile devices include handheld devices,portable electronic devices, smart phones, laptops, tablets, ande-readers.

A “vehicle”, as used herein, refers to any moving vehicle that iscapable of carrying one or more human occupants and is powered by anyform of energy. The term “vehicle” includes cars, trucks, vans,minivans, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, boats, personal watercraft, andaircraft. In some scenarios, a motor vehicle includes one or moreengines. Further, the term “vehicle” may refer to an electric vehicle(EV) that is powered entirely or partially by one or more electricmotors powered by an electric battery. The EV may include batteryelectric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).Additionally, the term “vehicle” may refer to an autonomous vehicleand/or self-driving vehicle powered by any form of energy. Theautonomous vehicle may or may not carry one or more human occupants.

A “vehicle system”, as used herein, may be any automatic or manualsystems that may be used to enhance the vehicle, and/or driving.Exemplary vehicle systems include an autonomous driving system, anelectronic stability control system, an anti-lock brake system, a brakeassist system, an automatic brake prefill system, a low speed followsystem, a cruise control system, a collision warning system, a collisionmitigation braking system, an auto cruise control system, a lanedeparture warning system, a blind spot indicator system, a lane keepassist system, a navigation system, a transmission system, brake pedalsystems, an electronic power steering system, visual devices (e.g.,camera systems, proximity sensor systems), a climate control system, anelectronic pretensioning system, a monitoring system, a passengerdetection system, a vehicle suspension system, a vehicle seatconfiguration system, a vehicle cabin lighting system, an audio system,a sensory system, among others.

The aspects discussed herein may be described and implemented in thecontext of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storingcomputer-executable instructions. Non-transitory computer-readablestorage media include computer storage media and communication media.For example, flash memory drives, digital versatile discs (DVDs),compact discs (CDs), floppy disks, and tape cassettes. Non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media may include volatile and non-volatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any method ortechnology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, modules, or other data.

FIGS. 1A-1C are exemplary schematic diagrams of a fuel cell power plantsystem 100, according to one aspect, and may include a fuel cell powerplant cooling structure or fuel cell power plant cooling system. Thefuel cell power plant system 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C is depicted with fourpower units 110, 120, 130, 140. The fuel cell power plant system 100 mayfurther include a fuel cell power plant controller 300 (depicted in FIG.2 ), which will be described in greater detail herein. Each one of powerunits 110, 120, 130, 140 may include two or more fuel cell systems. Thefuel cell power plant controller 300 may be electrically connected tothe power units 110, 120, 130, 140. The power units 110, 120, 130, 140depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C each include four fuel cell systems (110 a, 110b, 110 c, 110 d, 120 a, 120 b, 120 c, 120 d, 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d,140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d).

One or more of the fuel cell systems (110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, 120 a,120 b, 120 c, 120 d, 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d, 140 a, 140 b, 140 c,140 d) may be repurposed from vehicle fuel cells. One or more of thefuel cell systems may be hydrogen fuel cell systems. The fuel cellsystems may include a fuel cell stack, a battery, an air pump, a DC-DCconverter 160, a fan, and a fuel cell voltage converter unit (FCVCU).The DC-DC converter 160 may convert high-voltage DC to 12V, may providegalvanic isolation between the high-voltage DC and the 12V, for example.The high-voltage may be 300V-400V while the low-voltage may be 10V-16V,for example. The fuel cell power plant system 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C may beused as a backup power generator in place of a diesel generator, forexample. As seen in FIGS. 1A-1C, the fuel cell systems are organizedinto groups of four and may be referred to as a ‘quad’ or a ‘quad unit’herein. In this way, the four quad units of FIGS. 1A-1C have a total ofsixteen fuel cell systems.

One of the two or more fuel cell systems may include a gateway controlcircuitry 514 (see FIG. 6 ) controlling engine high voltage (EHV)associated with the corresponding fuel cell system. A first fuel cellsystem of the two or more fuel cell systems may include a major gatewaycontrol circuitry 516 monitoring a water temperature, a fuel leaksensor, or a smoke sensor associated with the corresponding power unit.Each of the two or more fuel cell systems may include a managementelectronic control unit (ECU) 518 issuing a command to the correspondingfuel cell system. The command may be a vehicle stability management(VSM) override operation or an immobilizer override operation. The twoor more power units may output power to a grid inverter.

The utility company may receive energy from a load bank. There may be afirst panel which may be a first voltage (e.g., 480 volts) and connectedto a transformer which may be stepped down to a second voltage (e.g.,lower than the first voltage) single phase which may provide power tothe fuel cell power plant system 100. The power units 110, 120, 130, 140may output power to one or more grid inverters (e.g., a first inverter112 and a second inverter 114). A second panel may provide auxiliarypower to the grid inverters which may be connected to transformers tostep back up to the first voltage from the second voltage.

According to one aspect, the fuel cell power plant system 100 of FIGS.1A-1C may be capable of supporting operation from a black start scenarioof restoring power from the fuel cell power plant system 100 from ablackout without relying on any external electric power transmissionnetwork to recover from a total or partial shutdown. The fuel cell powerplant controller 300 may support operation of standalone and black startconditions. The fuel cell power plant controller 300 may includesoftware to support black start operation, such as software functions towake from a no-power condition and energize external systems in a properorder or sequence when no power on the grid is present. This may includeprovisions for start from energy storage and boot-strapping of anyassociated cooling system. The grid inverters may be configured forblack start and operation on a micro-grid structure may be enabled. Inthis regard, when the system starts from black start the fuel cell powerplant controller 300 may energize the grid inverters.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate two voltage channels 602, 604 respectivelyconnected to the power units (e.g., quad units) 110, 120, 130, 140. Thevoltage channels 602, 604 may be high voltage channels and may beindependent of one another. According to one aspect, the two voltagechannels 602, 604 may be limited to channels to a number of fuel cellsto mitigate exposure to shock via system isolation.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary component diagram of a fuel cell power plantsystem 100, according to one aspect. As seen in FIG. 2 , respectivepower units 110, 120, 130, 140 or quad units, as depicted, may beelectrically connected, such as in parallel. A fuel cell power plantcontroller 300 may be electrically connected to one or more of the powerunits 110, 120, 130, 140 and act as an interface between the power units110, 120, 130, 140 and the first inverter 112, the second inverter 114,or other circuits. The first inverter 112 and the second inverter 114may transfer the power generated by the fuel cell power plant system 100to a load center. Each quad or power unit 110, 120, 130, 140 may receiveprocessed air (e.g., air intake for the fuel cell system), vent air,water or cooling in, and fuel for the respective fuel cell systems andoutput water or cooling out, power out (e.g., to the first inverter 112or the second inverter 114), drain water out, processed exhaust air, andvent exhaust air.

The fuel cell power plant controller 300 may include a user controlcircuitry 302 and a monitoring circuitry 304. The user control circuitry302 may control a mode of operation of the fuel cell power plant systemto be run in an operation mode, a standby mode, a maintenance mode(e.g., enabling operator to force system to start fuel cells for routinemaintenance), or an emergency stopped mode. The monitoring circuitry 304may monitor the two or more power units of the fuel cell power plantsystem for one or more fault conditions, one or more alarms, or anamount of energy produced.

FIGS. 3A-3B are exemplary component diagrams of a fuel cell power plantsystem, according to one aspect. As seen in FIGS. 3A-3B, the power units110, 120, 130, 140 or quad units may be electrically connected inparallel. The first inverter 112 and the second inverter 114 maytransfer the power generated by the fuel cell power plant system 100 toa load center. Each quad or power unit 110, 120, 130, 140 may receiveprocessed air (e.g., air intake for the fuel cell system), vent air,water or cooling in, and fuel for the respective fuel cell systems andoutput water or cooling out, power out (e.g., to the first inverter 112or the second inverter 114), drain water out, processed exhaust air, andvent exhaust air. The fuel cell systems or power units 110, 120, 130,140 may include a fuel cell stack, a fuel cell battery, an air pump, afan, a fuel cell voltage converter unit (FCVCU), a gateway controlcircuitry, a management electronic control unit (ECU), and a fuel cellpower plant cooling structure, as will be discussed in greater detail inFIGS. 5A-5B.

FIGS. 4A-4C are exemplary component diagrams of a fuel cell power plantcooling system, according to one aspect. According to one aspect, a fuelcell power plant cooling system may include one or more power unitcoolant supply lines 402, 404, two or more fuel cell system coolantsupply lines 406 a, 406 b, 408 a, 408 b, two or more fuel cell systems110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, 120 a, 120 b, 120 c, 120 d, two or more fuelcell system return supply lines 416 a, 416 b, 418 a, 418 b, and one ormore power unit return supply lines 412, 414.

The power unit coolant supply lines 402, 404 may be configured toreceive a coolant. The two or more fuel cell system coolant supply lines406 a, 406 b, 408 a, 408 b may be connected to the power unit coolantsupply lines 402, 404 and may be configured to receive coolant from thepower unit coolant supply lines 402, 404. The two or more fuel cellsystems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, 120 a, 120 b, 120 c, 120 d may beconfigured to be cooled by the two or more fuel cell system coolantsupply lines 406 a, 406 b, 408 a, 408 b, respectively. The two or morefuel cell system return supply lines 416 a, 416 b, 418 a, 418 b may beconnected to the two or more fuel cell system coolant supply lines 406a, 406 b, 408 a, 408 b, respectively, and may be configured to receivecoolant from the two or more fuel cell system coolant supply lines 406a, 406 b, 408 a, 408 b. The power unit return supply lines 412, 414 maybe connected to the two or more fuel cell system return supply lines 416a, 416 b, 418 a, 418 b and may be configured to receive coolant from thetwo or more fuel cell system return supply lines 416 a, 416 b, 418 a,418 b, respectively.

With reference to FIG. 4B, an end of the power unit coolant supply line402 a, 404 a may be connected to a power unit coolant supply line 402 b,404 b of a second fuel cell power plant cooling system, as seen in FIG.4C. Similarly, an end of the power unit return supply line 412 a, 414 amay be connected to a power unit return supply line 412 b, 414 b of thesecond fuel cell power plant cooling system of FIG. 4C.

With reference to FIG. 4C, an end of the power unit coolant supply lines402 b, 404 b may be capped 430. Similarly, an end of the power unitreturn supply lines 412 b, 414 b may be capped 430. According to oneaspect, a fuel cell power plant cooling structure may include a firstfuel cell power plant cooling system (e.g., FIG. 4B) and a second fuelcell power plant cooling system (e.g., FIG. 4C).

Each of the first fuel cell power plant cooling system and the secondfuel cell power plant cooling system may include one or more power unitcoolant supply lines 402 including 402 a, 402 b, 404 including 404 a,404 b, two or more fuel cell system coolant supply lines 406 a, 406 b,408 a, 408 b, two or more fuel cell systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d,120 a, 120 b, 120 c, 120 d, two or more fuel cell system return supplylines 416 a, 416 b, 418 a, 418 b, and one or more power unit returnsupply lines 412 including 412 a, 412 b, 404 including 414 a, 414 b. Thepower unit coolant supply lines 402, 404 may be configured to receive acoolant. The two or more fuel cell system coolant supply lines 406 a,406 b, 408 a, 408 b may be connected to the power unit coolant supplylines 402, 404 and may be configured to receive coolant from the powerunit coolant supply lines 402, 404. The two or more fuel cell systems110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, 120 a, 120 b, 120 c, 120 d may be configuredto be cooled by the two or more fuel cell system coolant supply lines406 a, 406 b, 408 a, 408 b, respectively. The two or more fuel cellsystem return supply lines 416 a, 416 b, 418 a, 418 b may be connectedto the two or more fuel cell system coolant supply lines 406 a, 406 b,408 a, 408 b, respectively, and may be configured to receive usedcoolant from the two or more fuel cell system coolant supply lines 406a, 406 b, 408 a, 408 b. The power unit return supply lines 412, 414 maybe connected to the two or more fuel cell system return supply lines 416a, 416 b, 418 a, 418 b and may be configured to receive used coolantfrom the two or more fuel cell system return supply lines 416 a, 416 b,418 a, 418 b, respectively.

The second fuel cell power plant cooling system may include a secondpower unit coolant supply line 402 b, 404 b which may be configured toreceive the coolant from the power unit coolant supply lines 402, 404(e.g., 402 a, 404 a). The second fuel cell power plant cooling systemmay include one or more second power unit return supply lines 412 b, 414b which may be configured to receive the used coolant from the fuel cellsystem return supply lines 416 b, 418 b. An end of the second power unitcoolant supply line 402 b, 404 b may be capped 430. An end of the secondpower unit return supply line 412 b, 414 b may be capped 430.

FIGS. 5A-5B are exemplary exploded views of a fuel cell power plantcooling structure, according to one aspect. The fuel cell systems mayinclude a fuel cell stack 502, a fuel cell battery 504, an air pump 506,a fuel cell voltage converter unit (FCVCU) 510, a gateway controlcircuitry 514 which may include a major gateway control circuitry 516, amanagement electronic control unit (ECU) 518, and a fuel cell powerplant cooling structure. As seen in FIG. 6 , a fuel cell system may beplaced on a sliding skid 512 so that the fuel cell system may beindividually slid out for maintenance. The fuel cell power plant coolingsystem may include two or more slidable fuel cell system skids which mayaccommodate the two or more fuel cell systems, respectively.

Additionally, it may be seen that the power unit is configured to bemodular and connections for cooling may be located on a platform underthe power unit. Two of the connections may be power unit coolant supplylines 402, 404 and two of the connections may be power unit returnsupply lines 412, 414. The coolant may be water, for example.

The power unit may be sealed and an enclosure of the power unit may berain, snow, sleet, dust, hose down, and/or corrosive agent proof.According to one aspect, the enclosure of the power unit may besubmersion proof in the event of a flood, for example. Within the powerunit, ventilation may be provided, and a fan may be utilized. Accordingto one aspect, the cabin of the power unit may be held at negativepressure, such as via mounting and operating fans on a top portion whilevents are located in a bottom portion of the power unit. The power unitmay be operated according to a desired dilution specification, a desiredcool specification, and a desired consumption specification.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a fuel system for a fuelcell power plant system 100, according to one aspect. The fuel systemmay enable even flow distribution, via a distributor, between quad unitsand engines, include low leak connectors, be formed of stainless steelbent tubing or high-pressure hose and may include electrical sensors forpressure sensing. The sensors may provide sensor reading to the fuelcell power plant controller 300 for fault monitoring in real time.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary schematic diagram of engine-level cooling for afuel cell power plant cooling system, according to one aspect. FIG. 8illustrates a high-level diagram of the motor-level or engine-levelaspects of the heat exchanger for the fuel cell power plant coolingsystem. Greater detail of the heat exchanger will be provided withreference to FIGS. 9A-9B.

FIGS. 9A-9B are exemplary schematic diagrams of quad-level cooling for afuel cell power plant cooling system, according to one aspect. As seenin FIGS. 9A-9B, one or more heat exchangers 900 may provide for reducedvolume and increased performance by utilizing a two-plate configuration.The heat exchangers 900 may be compact, which reduces volume of fluidsor coolants and also reduces warm up time associated with the fuelcells. Further, separation of two or more plates ensures that cleanfluid or coolant stays clean and enables use of other fluids, includingpure water, 50/50 ethylene glycol, or other media.

The heat exchanger 900 may be a plate heat exchanger for application ofmulti-fuel cell systems. Associated benefits include separation of aclean coolant loop from an external non-clean coolant loop. Interchangeof heat from multiple sources to a single source (e.g., from the coolingtower, large air cooler, or other process cooling sources) may beutilized. In this way, reduction in cooling fluid volume on the cleancoolant or water loop side of system may be achieved.

According to one aspect, a heat exchanger 900 for a fuel cell powerplant system may include a first loop 950 a, 950 b, 950 c, 950 d and asecond loop 952 a, 952 b, 952 c, 952 d. For the first loop 950 a, 950 b,950 c, 950 d, a first coolant may be passed through a fuel cell stack910 a, 910 b, 910 c, 910 d, a thermostat 918 a, 918 b, 918 c, 918 d, afirst portion of a first plate 920 a, 920 b, 920 c, 920 d of the heatexchanger 900, and a fuel cell pump 916 a, 916 b, 916 c, 916 d. Thefirst loop 950 a, 950 b, 950 c, 950 d may be a clean coolant loop. Forthe second loop 952 a, 952 b, 952 c, 952 d, a second coolant may bepassed through a second portion of the first plate 920 a, 920 b, 920 c,920 d of the heat exchanger 900. The second coolant may be received froman external source, such as a cooling tower or a cooling truck. Thesecond loop may be less clean than the first loop with regard to coolantcleanliness. The heat exchanger for the fuel cell power plant system mayinclude a fuel cell system coolant supply line 406 a receiving thesecond coolant and a fuel cell system return supply line 416 a returningused coolant.

The thermostat 918 a, 918 b, 918 c, 918 d may regulate a path of thefirst loop 950 a, 950 b, 950 c, 950 d. For example, if a temperature ofthe first coolant is above a threshold, the first loop 950 a, 950 b, 950c, 950 d may include the first portion of the first plate 920 a, 920 b,920 c, 920 d of the heat exchanger. If a temperature of the firstcoolant is below a threshold, the first loop may not include the firstportion of the first plate 920 a, 920 b, 920 c, 920 d of the heatexchanger.

The heat exchanger for the fuel cell power plant system may include athird loop 960 a, 960 b, 960 c, 960 d and a fourth loop 962 a, 962 b,962 c, 962 d. For the third loop 960 a, 960 b, 960 c, 960 d, a thirdcoolant may be passed through an area associated with circuitry 972 a,972 b, 972 c, 972 d, the fuel cell stack 910 a, 910 b, 910 c, 910 d, anexpansion tank 974 a, 974 b, 974 c, 974 d, and a first portion of asecond plate 922 a, 922 b, 922 c, 922 d of the heat exchanger. For thefourth loop 962 a, 962 b, 962 c, 962 d, the second coolant may be passedthrough a second portion of the second plate 922 a, 922 b, 922 c, 922 dof the heat exchanger. The first plate 920 a, 920 b, 920 c, 920 d mayhave a greater size than the second plate 922 a, 922 b, 922 c, 922 d ofthe heat exchanger. The first coolant or the second coolant may bewater.

FIGS. 10A-10B are exemplary schematic diagrams of plant-level coolingfor a fuel cell power plant cooling system, according to one aspect. Ahousing 1000 may be provided for the fuel cell power plant coolingsystem.

FIGS. 11A-11D are exemplary schematic diagrams of quad-level cooling fora fuel cell power plant cooling system, as seen from a bottom view,according to one aspect. As seen, water may be used as coolant for thefuel cell system coolant supply lines 406 a, 408 a and/or the fuel cellsystem return supply lines 416 a, 418 a. Cool water may be supplied viathe fuel cell system coolant supply lines 406 a, 408 a and hot waterreturned through the fuel cell system return supply lines 416 a, 418 a.

FIGS. 12A-12C are exemplary schematic diagrams of condensate exhaustsystems for a fuel cell power plant cooling system, according to oneaspect. The fuel cell power plant cooling system or fuel cell powerplant cooling structure may include two or more fuel cell system exhaustlines 1202, 1212 which may be connected to a condensate drain line 1210and may be configured to expel exhaust from the power unit coolantsupply line. As seen in FIGS. 12A-12C, the two or more fuel cell systemexhaust lines 1202, 1212 may be oriented in a vertical directionrelative to a ground plane while the condensate drain line 1210 may beconnected to fuel cell system exhaust lines 1202, 1212 and thecondensate drain line 1210 may be substantially parallel to the groundplane.

FIGS. 13A-13B are exemplary schematic diagrams of condensate exhaustsystems for a fuel cell power plant cooling system, according to oneaspect. Here, exhaust vents are shown on the top of the fuel cell powerplant cooling system/structure, as fed by fuel cell system exhaust lines1202, 1212.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a condensate exhaust systemfor a fuel cell power plant cooling system, according to one aspect.Again, exhaust vents (e.g., air rooftop) are shown on the top of thefuel cell power plant cooling system/structure, as fed by fuel cellsystem exhaust lines 1202, 1212. Water condensate may be piped outparallel to the ground plane via condensate drain line 1210.

The fuel cell power plant cooling system or fuel cell power plantcooling structure may include two or more fuel cell system exhaust lines1202, 1212 which may be connected to a condensate drain line 1210 andmay be configured to expel exhaust from the power unit coolant supplyline. The two or more fuel cell system exhaust lines 1202, 1212 may beoriented in a vertical direction relative to a ground plane. The two ormore fuel cell system coolant supply lines may be oriented in a verticaldirection relative to a ground plane (e.g., the horizontal dashed line,as seen in FIG. 14 ).

FIG. 15 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method 1500 for operating afuel cell power plant, according to one aspect. The method 1500 foroperating a fuel cell power plant may include controlling 1502 a mode ofoperation of a fuel cell power plant to be in a run in an operationmode, standby mode, or emergency stopped mode, monitoring 1504 two ormore power units of fuel cell power plant for fault conditions, alarms,or amount of energy produced, and enabling 1506 an override operation ofcorresponding fuel cell system for the fuel cell power plant.

Still another aspect involves a computer-readable medium includingprocessor-executable instructions configured to implement one aspect ofthe techniques presented herein. An aspect of a computer-readable mediumor a computer-readable device devised in these ways is illustrated inFIG. 16 , wherein an implementation 1600 includes a computer-readablemedium 1608, such as a CD-R, DVD-R, flash drive, a platter of a harddisk drive, etc., on which is encoded computer-readable data 1606. Thisencoded computer-readable data 1606, such as binary data including aplurality of zero's and one's as shown in 1606, in turn includes a setof processor-executable computer instructions 1604 configured to operateaccording to one or more of the principles set forth herein. In thisimplementation 1600, the processor-executable computer instructions 1604may be configured to perform a method 1602, such as the method 1500 ofFIG. 15 . In another aspect, the processor-executable computerinstructions 1604 may be configured to implement a system, such as thefuel cell power plant system 100 of FIGS. 1-10 . Many suchcomputer-readable media may be devised by those of ordinary skill in theart that are configured to operate in accordance with the techniquespresented herein.

As used in this application, the terms “component”, “module,” “system”,“interface”, and the like are generally intended to refer to acomputer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. For example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessing unit, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, aprogram, or a computer. By way of illustration, both an applicationrunning on a controller and the controller may be a component. One ormore components residing within a process or thread of execution and acomponent may be localized on one computer or distributed between two ormore computers.

Further, the claimed subject matter is implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device, carrier, or media. Of course, manymodifications may be made to this configuration without departing fromthe scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 17 and the following discussion provide a description of a suitablecomputing environment to implement aspects of one or more of theprovisions set forth herein. The operating environment of FIG. 17 ismerely one example of a suitable operating environment and is notintended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use orfunctionality of the operating environment. Example computing devicesinclude, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers,hand-held or laptop devices, mobile devices, such as mobile phones,Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), media players, and the like,multiprocessor systems, consumer electronics, mini computers, mainframecomputers, distributed computing environments that include any of theabove systems or devices, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), etc.

Generally, aspects are described in the general context of “computerreadable instructions” being executed by one or more computing devices.Computer readable instructions may be distributed via computer readablemedia as will be discussed below. Computer readable instructions may beimplemented as program modules, such as functions, objects, ApplicationProgramming Interfaces (APIs), data structures, and the like, thatperform one or more tasks or implement one or more abstract data types.Typically, the functionality of the computer readable instructions arecombined or distributed as desired in various environments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a system 1700 including a computing device 1712configured to implement one aspect provided herein. In oneconfiguration, the computing device 1712 includes at least oneprocessing unit 1716 and memory 1718. Depending on the exactconfiguration and type of computing device, memory 1718 may be volatile,such as RAM, non-volatile, such as ROM, flash memory, etc., or acombination of the two. This configuration is illustrated in FIG. 17 bydashed line 1714.

In other aspects, the computing device 1712 includes additional featuresor functionality. For example, the computing device 1712 may includeadditional storage such as removable storage or non-removable storage,including, but not limited to, magnetic storage, optical storage, etc.Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 17 by storage 1720. Inone aspect, computer readable instructions to implement one aspectprovided herein are in storage 1720. Storage 1720 may store othercomputer readable instructions to implement an operating system, anapplication program, etc. Computer readable instructions may be loadedin memory 1718 for execution by the at least one processing unit 1716,for example.

The term “computer readable media” as used herein includes computerstorage media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any method ortechnology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions or other data. Memory 1718 and storage 1720 are examples ofcomputer storage media. Computer storage media includes, but is notlimited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs) or other optical storage,magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or any other medium which may be used to storethe desired information and which may be accessed by the computingdevice 1712. Any such computer storage media is part of the computingdevice 1712.

The term “computer readable media” includes communication media.Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions orother data in a “modulated data signal” such as a carrier wave or othertransport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. Theterm “modulated data signal” includes a signal that has one or more ofits characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal.

The computing device 1712 includes input device(s) 1724 such askeyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, infraredcameras, video input devices, or any other input device. Outputdevice(s) 1722 such as one or more displays, speakers, printers, or anyother output device may be included with the computing device 1712.Input device(s) 1724 and output device(s) 1722 may be connected to thecomputing device 1712 via a wired connection, wireless connection, orany combination thereof. In one aspect, an input device or an outputdevice from another computing device may be used as input device(s) 1724or output device(s) 1722 for the computing device 1712. The computingdevice 1712 may include communication connection(s) 1726 to facilitatecommunications with one or more other devices 1730, such as throughnetwork 1728, for example.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood thatthe subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited tothe specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specificfeatures and acts described above are disclosed as example aspects.

Various operations of aspects are provided herein. The order in whichone or more or all of the operations are described should not beconstrued as to imply that these operations are necessarily orderdependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated based on thisdescription. Further, not all operations may necessarily be present ineach aspect provided herein.

As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or”. Further, an inclusive “or” may includeany combination thereof (e.g., A, B, or any combination thereof). Inaddition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are generallyconstrued to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear fromcontext to be directed to a singular form. Additionally, at least one ofA and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Further,to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variantsthereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, suchterms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising”.

Further, unless specified otherwise, “first”, “second”, or the like arenot intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering,etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. forfeatures, elements, items, etc. For example, a first channel and asecond channel generally correspond to channel A and channel B or twodifferent or two identical channels or the same channel. Additionally,“comprising”, “comprises”, “including”, “includes”, or the likegenerally means comprising or including, but not limited to.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may bedesirably combined into many other different systems or applications.Also, that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives,modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequentlymade by those skilled in the art which are also intended to beencompassed by the following claims.

1. A fuel cell power plant system, comprising: two or more electrically connected power units, wherein each one of the two or more power units includes two or more fuel cell systems; and a fuel cell power plant controller electrically connected to the two or more power units including: a user control circuitry controlling a mode of operation of the fuel cell power plant system run in an operation mode, a standby mode, a maintenance mode, or an emergency stopped mode; and a monitoring circuitry monitoring the two or more power units of the fuel cell power plant system for one or more fault conditions, one or more alarms, or an amount of energy produced.
 2. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the fuel cell systems are repurposed from vehicle fuel cells.
 3. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the fuel cell systems are hydrogen fuel cell systems.
 4. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the fuel cell systems include a fuel cell stack, a battery, an air pump, a DC-DC converter, and a fuel cell voltage converter unit (FCVCU).
 5. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 1, comprising two or more platforms for the two or more power units, wherein one or more cooling lines, one or more electrical connections, and one or more fuel lines extend through the two or more platforms and supply cooling, electrical connections, and fuel to the two or more power units.
 6. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 1, wherein one of the two or more fuel cell systems includes a gateway control circuitry controlling engine high voltage (EHV) associated with the corresponding fuel cell system.
 7. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 1, wherein a first fuel cell system of the two or more fuel cell systems includes a major gateway control circuitry monitoring a water temperature, a fuel leak sensor, or a smoke sensor associated with the corresponding power unit.
 8. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 1, wherein each of the two or more fuel cell systems includes a management electronic control unit (ECU) issuing a command to the corresponding fuel cell system.
 9. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 8, wherein the command is a vehicle stability management (VSM) override operation or an immobilizer override operation.
 10. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 1, wherein the two or more power units output power to a grid inverter.
 11. A fuel cell power plant controller, comprising: a user control circuitry controlling a mode of operation of a fuel cell power plant system run in an operation mode, a standby mode, a maintenance mode, or an emergency stopped mode; and a monitoring circuitry monitoring two or more power units of the fuel cell power plant system for one or more fault conditions, one or more alarms, or an amount of energy produced, wherein the two or more power units are electrically connected, wherein the two or more power units are electrically connected to the fuel cell power plant controller, wherein each one of the two or more power units includes two or more fuel cell systems.
 12. The fuel cell power plant controller of claim 11, wherein one or more of the fuel cell systems are repurposed from vehicle fuel cells.
 13. The fuel cell power plant controller of claim 11, wherein one or more of the fuel cell systems are hydrogen fuel cell systems.
 14. The fuel cell power plant controller of claim 11, wherein one or more of the fuel cell systems include a fuel cell stack, a battery, an air pump, a DC-DC converter, and a fuel cell voltage converter unit (FCVCU).
 15. The fuel cell power plant controller of claim 11, comprising two or more platforms for the two or more power units, wherein one or more cooling lines, one or more electrical connections, and one or more fuel lines extend through the two or more platforms and supply cooling, electrical connections, and fuel to the two or more power units.
 16. The fuel cell power plant controller of claim 11, wherein one of the two or more fuel cell systems includes a gateway control circuitry controlling engine high voltage (EHV) associated with the corresponding fuel cell system.
 17. A fuel cell power plant system, comprising: two or more electrically connected power units, wherein each one of the two or more power units includes two or more fuel cell systems repurposed from vehicle fuel cells; and a fuel cell power plant controller electrically connected to the two or more power units including: a user control circuitry controlling a mode of operation of the fuel cell power plant system run in an operation mode, a standby mode, a maintenance mode, or an emergency stopped mode; and a monitoring circuitry monitoring the two or more power units of the fuel cell power plant system for one or more fault conditions, one or more alarms, or an amount of energy produced.
 18. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 17, wherein one or more of the fuel cell systems are hydrogen fuel cell systems.
 19. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 17, wherein one or more of the fuel cell systems include a fuel cell stack, a battery, an air pump, a DC-DC converter, and a fuel cell voltage converter unit (FCVCU).
 20. The fuel cell power plant system of claim 17, comprising two or more platforms for the two or more power units, wherein one or more cooling lines, one or more electrical connections, and one or more fuel lines extend through the two or more platforms and supply cooling, electrical connections, and fuel to the two or more power units. 